All You Need To Know About Breastfeeding

Parenting comes with a lot of decisions to make. What is best for your baby is your own decision, but your friends and family also participate with you. Breastfeeding is a personal choice of a mom. The main concern is the healthy growth of your lil munchkin, no matter what way you choose! Understanding the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby can help you make an informed choice.

What Makes Breast Milk a Gold Milk? 

The goodness of breast milk is unmatchable. Its magical qualities are there from the very first day. Whether it is a bond, nutrients, or prevention from disease, it is the best for the first six months! Here are some exceptional strengths of breast milk:

• Colostrum:

  Within a few hours after the birth, the first yellow milk is the special saviour. It is the richest in antibodies and bioactive proteins and strengthens immunity from the very start. You shouldn't be missing this one! This early milk highlights one of the key breastfeeding benefits for a baby.

   

• Lowers the Risk of SIDS and NEC:

  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are at lower risk if the baby is fed breast milk. NEC explicitly affects premature babies, and the survival rate goes as low as 50% in difficult situations. So, breast milk is the best choice for those initial days. These preventive advantages are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding.

   

• Easy for Babies:

  Babies can digest breast milk easily. Their body adapts to breast milk more naturally, whereas it might take a while for any other type of feeding. This adaptability is a significant benefit of breastfeeding for a baby.

   

• Long-Term Prevention:

  Diseases like asthma, diabetes, allergies, bacterial infections, pneumonia, and obesity are prevented through breast milk in the generation where these diseases are so common. It's a saviour from the beginning. These long-term health benefits further emphasize the benefits of breastfeeding for a baby.

   

• Good for Mom:

  Breastfeeding not only connects a baby to its mom but also connects the mom to her baby. It helps a mom cope with postpartum depression and even shrinks the possibility of developing severe diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. These are profound benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby.

   

• Makes a Mom Happy:

  The process is prolonged for more than four months. It promotes good hormones like oxytocin. It also helps the uterus get back to its size. Iron deficiency after giving birth is also recovered faster with the feeding of breast milk. These emotional and physical rewards showcase the benefits of breastfeeding for a mom.

   

What Makes Nursing a Difficult Choice?

As easy as it is to digest, a baby wants to feed more frequently, which limits the mother. She has to be around the child all the time. Here are some challenges and breastfeeding tips for new moms to help:

• Sleep Deprivation:

New moms are constantly sleep-deprived. A baby must be fed before sleep or during the night if they are awake. Some mothers might feel exhausted and lose a sense of control over their bodies. Taking short naps and seeking help from family can be beneficial.  

• Dietary Restrictions:

A baby eats what their mom eats. If a mother is nursing a baby, she has to look after her diet. Consumption of alcohol, unhealthy junk, or high-sugar content food will not be a good choice for the Lil one. Maintaining a healthy diet is a practical breastfeeding tip for moms.  

• Frequent Feeding:

Babies demand frequent feeding, which can be challenging. Ensuring proper latch and experimenting with comfortable feeding positions are effective breastfeeding techniques to ease the process.  

It's always a typical decision whether one should rely on alternatives for breastfeeding. A mom knows the best! Of course, nursing has its exceptional benefits but keeping the situation a priority is a wise choice sometimes. The benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby are undeniable, but as long as the baby is healthy and nurtured well, your decision is valid and respected. Remember, learning and applying helpful breastfeeding tips can make this journey smoother for both you and your baby.

Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and it’s okay to seek support or alternatives when needed. Every mom’s journey is unique, and the goal is always the well-being of the baby and mother. Embrace your choices confidently and cherish these moments with your little one!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the 3 golden hours of breastfeeding?

The first three hours after birth are called the "golden hours" of breastfeeding. During this time, skin-to-skin contact helps initiate breastfeeding, encourages bonding, and stimulates the baby’s natural feeding reflexes.

Q2. How many minutes is a full breastfeeding?

A full breastfeeding session typically lasts 20–40 minutes, but this can vary by baby. Ensure the baby is actively sucking and swallowing, switching breasts to ensure they’re fully nourished.

Q3. What to do when a baby falls asleep while breastfeeding?

If your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, gently stimulate them by tickling their feet, stroking their cheek, or burping them. This helps keep them awake and ensures they complete their feeding session.